Bedtime Hugs

For the last few weeks, I've found it absolutely necessary to hug my brothers before they go to bed. However, I usually don't make the attempt until after they are already settled in their cribs.

After baths, we read stories, brush our teeth, then Mommy and Daddy always announce, "It's bedtime" or "Time for bed." Ben almost always grabs the closest toy and runs off down the hallway to his room, in full cooperation. Gavin generally is a bit more disgruntled, sometimes strolling off to his room with his baby doll or a toy, sometimes whining, "No!"

My parents have learned to ask me if I would like to give them hugs before they head to bed, but I often ignore them, then chase after the rest of the family down the hall, yelling, "I want to give Ben a hug first! I want to give Gavin a hug before he gets in the crib!"

Exhausted from the day, Mommy especially finds this irritating, but for the most part, let's me climb the outside of the crib and lean over to hug my brothers. (She is learning to enforce the "hugs before departing the family room" rule now.)

Once they are settled in, one of my parents will follow me into my room to tuck me in, whereas I tend to ask for the other parent to read me a story that night. So, the one that followed me in will go get a water for me and the other parent to read me a story. I don't grumble quite as much as I used to and allow only one story to be read to me at that time. (I used to scream for more!)

My parents count their blessings that all three of us are usually sound asleep within 15 minutes or less. Ahhhh.